Comings, Goings and Wanting to Stay
Frenchman looking to stay as Semi Final tickets go on sale....

ON THE TRANSFER FRONT, IT SEEMS THAT PAUL FENWICK MAY LIGHTEN the Hibs wage bill, the Canadian Central defender’s on-off move to Partick Thistle appearing to be on again, so much so that he could line up against Dundee for the Maryhill Magyars on Saturday at Firhill. Hibs could also bolster their squad with French midfielder Nicolas Sahnoun on trial at Easter Road, the 24 year-old Bordeaux player looking for first team football having featured just six times in the League this season. Sahnoun has experience in Britain, having spent some time with Fulham in the 2000-01 season under then-manager Jean Tigana. He has also played against Hearts too, coming on as a sub in the game at Tynecastle. The French midfielder was also on trial at Dundee United with Ian McCall keen to take a second look, but nothing materialised. Hibs will get first say on the midfielder with Montpellier also reportedly expressing an interest.

Meanwhile another Frenchman has announced that he wants to stay at Easter Road beyond his current contract: Mathias Doumbe is currently in talks with the club to achieve that end, his current contract ending in the summer. The 24-year-old Frenchman has been impressive at central defence for Hibs and was the subject of transfer speculation at the start of the season, with Dundee United lodging a bid that Hibs knocked back.  Doumbe told Hibs.net: "I am talking to the club at the moment and I hope to stay here. I am out of contract at the end of the season, so I would like it finished before then."

Doumbe gets his first and only goal, so far, against Celtic (sns)

Doumbe also admitted that he and his team-mates would have to tighten up at the back if they are to challenge for a  top six place this season, Hibs managing just five clean sheets all season, and having conceded 12 in the last four games, albeit six of them against Celtic in one game. Rangers were restricted to three attempts on goal on Saturday, managing to score two, although Doumbe is of the opinion that some of this is down to luck: "If we want to be in the top six we need to start keeping clean sheets, particularly at home," said the former Paris St Germain player. "We have conceded a few goals in recent weeks but I don’t think it’s something to be too worried about because we are playing quite well and maybe we are just being unlucky.”  Indeed, most of the fans frustration after the game appeared to be directed towards the lack of chances created at the other end, Hibs hardly registering any shots on goal.

Details of ticket sales for the CIS Cup Semi Final Tie against Rangers on Thursday 5th February 2004 have been announced by the SFA: Tickets will go on sale from 9am on Thursday 15th January 2004 to Season Ticket Holders until close of business on Tuesday 20th January 2004. Thereafter tickets will be on general sale from 9am on Wednesday 21st January 2004.

Ticket prices are as follows: Adults - £24; Section J South Lower (Limited Availability) Adults - £22; Section I South Lower Adults - £18; Section F & G East Family - £18/£10; Section G East – No OAP Concessions.  A plan of Hampden Park can found at this link.